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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.